A Liberal Democrat councillor has been kicked off a conservation panel by his own party following his support for the proposed South Downs National Park.

David Neighbour who represents Telscombe at town, district and county council level, said: "I am disappointed by the decision but I will always abide by group decisions.

"I am disappointed at the opposition within East Sussex County Council towards the park.

"I have always supported the idea of a national park as do all the town and parish councils within the boundaries of my county council seat. They believe, as I do, this is the best way to protect the South Downs.

"I am one of the few councillors who has always been pro-national park."

Councillor Neighbour sat on the Sussex Downs Conservation Board for four years representing the Liberal Democrats with Olive Woodall from Eastbourne.

Places for the party were cut from two to one after it lost four seats on East Sussex County Council in the June elections.

The Liberal Democrats voted for newly-elected councillor Stephen Shing, who won Willingdon from the Tories, to be their representative instead.

Coun Shing is a Wealden district councillor who has made an impact in the rural seat of Willingdon with his community campaigning.

He is known to have reservations about the impact of the proposed national park.

Coun Shing said: "I am not surprised I got the Liberal Democrat nomination because my constituency is all within the proposed boundaries.

"I have got seven parish councils in my constituency and will be seeking their views before deciding how to vote on the proposed park. I am not opposed to it but I want to get all the views before deciding. Willingdon Parish Council is in favour, I know."

David Rogers, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition on East Sussex County Council, said Coun Shing had been chosen in a democratic vote.

He said: "He represents an area which is right in the heart of the proposed park, while David Neighbour's constituency is only in part of it.

"We know both Councillor Neighbour and Shing have a strong interest in the environment and the South Downs. We had a vote and our members voted for Mr Shing. It was as simple as that. There was nothing sinister."

Environmental campaigner John Carden, of Kemp Town Labour Party, said: "David Neighbour has been a supporter of the park from day one. I have had disagreements with him on political matters. I am astounded his own party have not recognised his commitment."